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Exploring the world, one wonderland at a timeFri, 22 Feb 2019 13:03:01 +0000en-US
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3232105584609One Day in Milan: Making the most of 24 hourshttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2019/02/22/one-day-in-milan-making-the-most-of-24-hours/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2019/02/22/one-day-in-milan-making-the-most-of-24-hours/#respondFri, 22 Feb 2019 13:01:19 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3368Milan showcases the best that Italy has to offer: food, romance, food, sights, art, food, architecture, history, food… The prospect of squeezing in all the top sights and activities without leaving anything out may seem daunting. But if you only have one day to spend in an Italian city, Milan is a great bet. Here’s […]

]]>Milan showcases the best that Italy has to offer: food, romance, food, sights, art, food, architecture, history, food… The prospect of squeezing in all the top sights and activities without leaving anything out may seem daunting. But if you only have one day to spend in an Italian city, Milan is a great bet. Here’s how to make the most of just one day in Milan.

Top Things to See and Do:

Duomo Milano

A visit to the Duomo is top of the must-see list for many travellers to Milan, and with good reason. This stunning cathedral is every bit as impressive in real life as the photographs suggest. During our one day in Milan, we didn’t make it inside the cathedral, as we were told by several people the interior is not as impressive as the exterior. Perhaps if we had longer in Milan, we would have explored inside, but as the day was ticking on, we decided to skip it.

What we were keen to do was to climb the stairs (€9, or take the lift for a slightly higher fee of €14) to get to the roof of the Duomo and see the skyline of Milan. However, the queue stretched the entire length of the cathedral. So, again, we headed onwards.

Duomo Milano – One Day in Milan

Galleria Vittorio Emaneule II

You won’t have to travel far for the next impressive sight of Milan. The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, located just opposite the Duomo, is Italy’s oldest shopping mall. Though the designer shops are far out of the price range of most visitors, the picturesque building itself is well worth a visit.

Roof of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Pilazzo di Brera

The next must-see on our whistle-stop tour of Milan was Pilazzo di Brera. This gigantic palace is home to an art gallery, botanical garden, observatory, and one of the largest libraries in Italy, the Biblioteca di Brera. The multitude of attractions are all centred around an impressive courtyard, with artworks and noticeboards, giving information about the Pilazzo.

Sempione Park

Stopping for a quick cappuccino (I can’t believe we were in Italy for half a day before trying a coffee!), we continued our one day in Milan by strolling onwards towards Sempione Park.

After exploring the nearby funfair, we turned towards Sforzesco Castle as the sun was going down. The castle was built over several centuries, and each view offers a different aesthetic, from the exterior fortress walls to the intricately decorated ceilings.

The ornate ceilings at Sforza Castle

Twilight is a fantastic time to visit the castle. As the light fades, the castle, fountain, and surrounding grounds are illuminated, giving the whole area a dreamy, romantic feel.

Sforza Castle at Sempione Park

Canals at Navigli

A canal-side stroll seemed like the perfect end to our one day in Milan. Though perhaps not as scenic as more famous canal areas in Europe, Navigli is still worth a visit. Walking by the waterside, past an array of restaurant terraces, our thoughts quickly turned to food.

Navigli canals at night

And so we ended our one day in Milan in a candlelit courtyard, sipping cocktails and eating cheese. If there’s such a thing as a perfect Italian city to squeeze into one day, Milan may just be it.

Suggested Itinerary for One Day in Milan:

Begin at the main town square, the Plaza Duomo. Here, check out Milan’s most famous sight, the Duomo Milano (though skip the interior). Before you leave the plaza, pay a visit to the shopping mall, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

Walk onwards to the Pilazzo di Brera (roughly a 15 minute walk away). If you have time, pay a visit to one of the many attractions (the library in particular is recommended). If you’re short on time, the courtyard is still worth a visit.

Continue onwards to Sempione Park to check out Sforza Castle (just an 8 minute walk away). Give yourself plenty of time to explore the castle grounds.

End your day at Navigli (a 30 minute walk or short metro journey away). Here, you can explore the canals at night and to sample the delicious food Milan has to offer.

Milan Independent Travel Tips:

Although Milan is a large city, the above itinerary can easily be covered on foot.

The Metro is easy to navigate, and reasonably priced. Buy a one day ticket for just €4.50 if you plan to use the Metro several times.

Milan may not be super cheap, but can easily be explored on a tight budget. The sights listed above are all free to enter.

The nearby lakes are well worth a visit, so, even if you do have more than one day to spend in Milan, it is still worth squeezing the city into one day, and spending the next on a day trip to Lake Como.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2019/02/22/one-day-in-milan-making-the-most-of-24-hours/feed/03368Cuba Independent Travel Tipshttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/10/23/cuba-independent-travel-tips/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/10/23/cuba-independent-travel-tips/#respondTue, 23 Oct 2018 12:58:49 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3271As I’ve mentioned many times in the past, Cuba is one of my absolute favourite countries! Independent travel here is less of a struggle than some might think. However, it’s not without its challenges. So here is my list of Cuba independent travel tips… Cuba Independent Travel Tips: ATMs charge steep fees. Bring all of […]

]]>As I’ve mentioned many times in the past, Cuba is one of my absolute favourite countries! Independent travel here is less of a struggle than some might think. However, it’s not without its challenges. So here is my list of Cuba independent travel tips…

Cuba Independent Travel Tips:

ATMs charge steep fees. Bring all of the cash you will need for the trip, and exchange it when you arrive. Try not to bring US dollars as there are additional fees to exchange these. We brought a combination of pounds sterling and euros, and changed these on arrival.

There are two currencies in Cuba, CUC and CUP. CUC or “convertible pesos” are used for larger purchases and you will be given these when exchanging cash. CUC is pegged 1:1 to the US dollar.

CUP is more commonly used by locals, and it is often cheaper to use CUP than CUC for smaller purchases. Contrary to what some may think, tourists are free to use both currencies. When you make a purchase in CUC, ask for your change in CUP, and keep a small stash of CUP to pay for things like meals and drinks. However, make sure you convert all of your CUP before you leave Cuba, as it cannot be exchanged once you leave.

Some solo female travellers have reported street harassment (I encountered this myself when my partner Adam wasn’t by my side). Though this is most likely harmless, it can be irritating and intimidating, and worth keeping in mind when booking a trip.

Learn some Spanish! I know this is easier said than done, but even basic Spanish will help with interactions outside of hotels and tourist spots.

Internet access is very difficult to come by. For wifi, you can purchase a relatively expensive ETESCA card to use for your device. However, this will only allow you to access wifi in limited hotspots. You will notice crowds of people gathered along certain streets or in plazas using their phones! You may also be able to access the internet using a computer at a hotel or internet café. Or do as we did and disconnect for the duration of your trip!

If travelling by bus, buy tickets a day in advance. Be prepared for a long queue.

Shared taxis are often cheaper and faster than taking the bus. These are unpredictable and some travellers have shared stories of long waits, or drivers trying to cram more people in than can fit! Pay half of the fee upfront and half on arrival.

Stay in casa particulares. These are homestays where you will be welcomed by a host and stay in a room in their home. These rooms often have their own bathrooms and entrances. Staying in these casas are a fantastic way to meet people and experience Cuban life.

Casas can be booked before you arrive at your first destination in Cuba. Most owners will be able to call ahead to a friend at your next stop and arrange your next casa. We also found that arriving in a town without planned accommodation was no problem, as owners gathered around the bus stop to offer their homes. This may not be the case in high season however!

Cuban food is a bit of a mixed bag. We had some incredible meals interspersed with many bland sandwiches. Vegetarians will get by without problems. The best meals we had were at our casa particulares, many of which include a large breakfast, and an option to pay for dinner, too.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/10/23/cuba-independent-travel-tips/feed/03271Viñales Top Things to See and Dohttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/07/29/vinales-top-things-to-see-and-do/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/07/29/vinales-top-things-to-see-and-do/#respondSun, 29 Jul 2018 16:53:29 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3273It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite part of Cuba. However, Viñales is a strong contender. Beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and a relaxed, chilled out vibe made me just want to stay here forever. Although I easily could have whiled away the days in a rocking chair on the porch of our casa, we […]

]]>It’s impossible for me to choose a favourite part of Cuba. However, Viñales is a strong contender. Beautiful landscapes, friendly people, and a relaxed, chilled out vibe made me just want to stay here forever. Although I easily could have whiled away the days in a rocking chair on the porch of our casa, we managed to compel ourselves into getting out and exploring the surrounding area. Here are my choices for Viñales top things to see and do…

Viñales Top Things to See and Do

1. Cycle through the surrounding scenery

The scenery around Viñales is simply stunning. The limestone karst landscape (yes, I had to google this) is characterised by flat fields punctuated by dramatic rocky hills. This landscape, coupled with green tobacco fields dotted with palm trees, makes for postcard-perfect scenery at every turn.

You can explore the local area by hiring a vintage car, on horseback, or on foot. We opted to rent bikes and to spend the day cycling around. The roads are mercifully flat, quiet and safe (if very pothole-laden).

The stunning surroundings of Viñales

Visit a Tobacco farm

Cuba is world famous for its cigars, and there’s nowhere better to see tobacco farming in action than in the Viñales area. Guided tours can be arranged in the town, though we simply cycled until we came across a farmer rolling cigars on his farm. He was happy to show us the process and even let us take a turn. And the resulting cigars made great souvenirs to bring home (well, maybe not the ones we rolled).

Rolling cigars

Stay in a casa particular

Casa particulares are the best way to experience Cuba. Throughout our time in this country, we experienced nothing but warm and friendly hosts, clean and comfy rooms, and amazing hospitality. And our favourite casa of all was in Viñales.

There is no need to book in advance, we simply arrived by bus to find a throng of hosts offering rooms. We opted to go with Mabel, a friendly woman who took us to her casa and made us feel right at home. That night, we enjoyed an incredible home-cooked meal, then sat on the huge porch in rocking chairs, watching the rain thundering down.

Explore the caves

Though the above-ground scenery is impressive, the cave system snaking below is also well worth exploring. Underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves are a feature of the limestone karst landscape (thanks, Google!).

There are many caves to choose from, so either ask your host or simply choose wherever takes your fancy. We cycled until we saw a signpost, then parked our bikes and paid the small entrance fee to one of the caves. We walked on our own through the underground tunnels, and were greeted at the other side by performers who entertained us with dancing, music and fire juggling.

Statue in a Viñales cave

Performance at the caves

Indulge in traditional Cuban food

We sampled a few restaurants in the town, but by far our favourite meal was at our casa particular. For just US$10, our host, Mabel, provided us with a huge array of dishes. Highlights included bean soup, fried yucca, and cheese with relish. The only thing we didn’t like was how quickly we got full!

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/07/29/vinales-top-things-to-see-and-do/feed/03273San Juan Festival in Trinidad, Cubahttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/06/san-juan-festival-trinidad-photos/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/06/san-juan-festival-trinidad-photos/#respondFri, 06 Apr 2018 13:18:03 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3267Each year, the streets of Trinidad host one of Cuba’s biggest festivals, the Fiesta de San Juan. Latin America knows how to throw a fiesta, and the San Juan Festival is no exception. The San Juan Festival is held in June each year. Though it is celebrated in several towns and cities (including nearby Camaguey), […]

]]>Each year, the streets of Trinidad host one of Cuba’s biggest festivals, the Fiesta de San Juan. Latin America knows how to throw a fiesta, and the San Juan Festival is no exception.

Cowboys take to the streets during the San Juan Festival in Trinidad, Cuba

The San Juan Festival is held in June each year. Though it is celebrated in several towns and cities (including nearby Camaguey), Trinidad is home to one of the biggest celebrations.

Even little cowboys get involved!

The Festival is also known as Carnaval, Carnival or Fiesta. It features hoards of cowboys who take to the streets on horseback, as well as live music and parades.

The Festival is an annual highlight for both locals and visitors. People take to the streets to watch the parades and horse riders go past. For some great views, try to get up high (we were lucky enough to be allowed up a tower to watch the streets from above!).

Onlookers during the San Juan Festival

Get up high for the best views!

Of course, Trinidad is worth a visit at any time of year. It is a beautiful picturesque city, with cobbled streets lined with colourful houses against a scenic mountain backdrop. Nearby Playa Ancon is worth a visit to soak up some sunshine. Nightly highlights include Casa de la Musica, a salsa event with live music and dancing held at Plaza Mayor, and Disco Ayala, a truly one-of-a-kind nightclub held inside a massive cave.

The scenic streets of Trinidad, Cuba

Click here for more posts on the awesome country that is Cuba…

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/06/san-juan-festival-trinidad-photos/feed/03267Veggie Travel in Cubahttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/04/veggie-travel-in-cuba/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/04/veggie-travel-in-cuba/#respondWed, 04 Apr 2018 12:05:41 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3260Cuban cuisine conjures up ideas of fresh caught fish, meat-stuffed cubano sandwiches, and, of course, mojitos. But veggie travel in Cuba is surprisingly easy, with fresh fruit for breakfast, a variety of tasty dishes for dinner, and, of course, mojitos. Veggie Breakfasts Breakfasts are usually included in the cost of a night’s stay in […]

]]>Cuban cuisine conjures up ideas of fresh caught fish, meat-stuffed cubano sandwiches, and, of course, mojitos. But veggie travel in Cuba is surprisingly easy, with fresh fruit for breakfast, a variety of tasty dishes for dinner, and, of course, mojitos.

Veggie Breakfasts

Breakfasts are usually included in the cost of a night’s stay in a casa particular or even a hostel. These usually consist of platters of cheese, bread, and meat, with an abundance of fresh fruit and strong coffee. Simply ask for yours to be sin carne (without meat).

A typical vegetarian breakfast at a casa

Veggie Snacks

Although a lot of the quick eats in Cuba are meat based, such as tamales or chicharrones, there are plenty of snacks for vegetarians too.

Some personal favourites are yuca fries (a fried vegetable similar to parsnip), plantain chips (yes, a lot of these snacks are fried), or sweet shortbread-like biscuits from a bakery (ok, so in hindsight Cuba wasn’t the healthiest country I’ve been to).

Some sweet treats

Though sandwiches are widely available, the iconic Cubano sandwich is more of a Cuban-American creation. The sandwiches in Cuba tend to be simple bread rolls filled with cheese and meat. While you can of course order one just with cheese (and maybe add some salad), they’re not really anything special.

A cubano sandwich

Veggie Dinners

My first introduction to Cuban meals was a bit of a let down. Menus in many Havana restaurants only contained one or two vegetarian options, and these were often simple pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. Thankfully the food situation improved more and more each day, and I ended up having some absolutely incredible meals.

A pasta dish in Havana- looks better than it tasted

As with many central american countries, rice and beans are staples. But there are also a variety of tasty vegetables, often prepared fried or in soups. I was relieved to find cheese included in many meals, as this tends to be the food I miss most when travelling. (I mean, the cheese was pretty plain, but, hey, it was cheese).

A dish of beans, rice and vegetables

My favourite meals by far were in the casa particulares (home stays). The best meal I had in Cuba (come to think of it, one of the best meals in all of Central America) was at a casa in Viñales. Our host was an ex-chef and prepared a dozen dishes for us, including cheese and relish, a thick pancake, fried yuca, and bean soup (with a plate of chicken as an afterthought for Adam). Absolutely delicious!

Our incredible dinner at a casa in Viñales

Veggie Travel in Cuba- Some Tips

Learn some basic Spanish- at least enough to understand menus and order food

Keep some snacks in your bag if you’re unsure what food will be available (my favourite were bags of plantain chips).

Stay at casa particulares. Not only do you get wonderful hosts and a bargain price, but you’ll likely get the best food here, too!

And don’t forget the mojitos!

For more veggie travel tips, click here. Or, for more on the awesome country that is Cuba, click here.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/04/veggie-travel-in-cuba/feed/03260Rumba in Havana: A Photostoryhttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/03/rumba-in-havana/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/03/rumba-in-havana/#respondTue, 03 Apr 2018 14:48:00 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3223After a whirlwind introduction to one of my new favourite cities, we paid a visit to the colourful neighbourhood of Cayo Huesa, for a taste of rumba in Havana… Rumba in Havana – A Brief Introduction Rumba has its roots in both African and Spanish music and dance. It began in northern Cuba after […]

]]>After a whirlwind introduction to one of my new favourite cities, we paid a visit to the colourful neighbourhood of Cayo Huesa, for a taste of rumba in Havana…

Rumba in Havana – A Brief Introduction

Rumba has its roots in both African and Spanish music and dance. It began in northern Cuba after the slave trade ended, when workers of African descent would gather in the streets and courtyards.

While “rumba” originally simply meant “party”, over time the term came to mean a specific style of music. This style is characterised by drumming, vocal improvisation, and, of course, energetic dancing.

Although rumba has spread and evolved into different musical styles and dances in various countries, the roots of all of these can be traced back to rumba in Havana.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/04/03/rumba-in-havana/feed/03223Welcome to Havanahttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/03/02/welcome-to-havana/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/03/02/welcome-to-havana/#respondFri, 02 Mar 2018 18:06:15 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3189Welcome to Havana… It was love at first sight. The city was everything I wanted it to be and more. The balcony of our hostel overlooked an almost deserted street, save for the occasional vintage car swerving to avoid potholes. Ladies sat on their doorsteps, fanning themselves to keep cool in the heat, and […]

]]>Welcome to Havana… It was love at first sight. The city was everything I wanted it to be and more.

The balcony of our hostel overlooked an almost deserted street, save for the occasional vintage car swerving to avoid potholes. Ladies sat on their doorsteps, fanning themselves to keep cool in the heat, and men stood nearby smoking fat cigars. Laundry hung in strings in front of coloured walls, simultaneously dingy and ornate. It was as if every scene had been lifted straight from a “Welcome to Havana” postcard.

Welcome to Havana!

I couldn’t wait to get into the city- to drink a mojito, salsa with a stranger, and watch the sunset over the Malecón.

Rumba in Havana

Our first foray into Havana did not disappoint. No sooner had we left our hostel than we were stopped by a large lady who called to us from her doorway. She introduced herself as Sonia, a rumba teacher with her own dance school in the city. I soon found myself learning rumba steps in the streets of Havana under the instruction of my new companion, in one of those bizarre travel moments that would forever be ingrained in my memories of Cuba.

With Sonia, our new friend/ dance instructor

Our new friend showed us to Cayo Huesa, a colourfully graffitied collection of streets, where regular rumba performances take place. Promising Sonia we would meet her there the following day, we continued our exploration of what was fast becoming one of my favourite cities.

Children playing in the streets of Havana

Welcome to Havana

We walked as far as our feet would take us, stopping to reenergise with a quick coffee (or a mojito once the sun started to go down). Our tour of Havana took us through the iconic streets of Old Havana to the upmarket Vedado and onwards into Centro. Here, we strolled along the Malecón just as the sun was starting to set.

Sunset at the Malecón

Each street was more fascinating and more unique than the last. From the immaculately manicured plazas to the grottiest of back alleys, I can honestly say that Havana was one of the most spectacular cities I have had the fortune to visit. (And from the crowded Hemingway-frequented La Floridita to the swanky Hotel Nacional, I enjoyed each and every mojito).

Planning a trip to Cuba? Here’s everything you need to know about getting your Tourist Card.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/03/02/welcome-to-havana/feed/03189How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card (Visa) in Mexicohttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/02/15/how-cuban-tourist-card-mexico/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/02/15/how-cuban-tourist-card-mexico/#respondThu, 15 Feb 2018 18:02:48 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3163Arriving at Cancun airport without a visa for Cuba gave us some mild anxiety. But it turns out getting a Cuban Tourist Card at the airport is relatively simple. Here’s how… Applying for a Cuban Tourist Card: While some nationalities require a visa to visit Cuba, most visitors only need a Tourist Card. This […]

]]>Arriving at Cancun airport without a visa for Cuba gave us some mild anxiety. But it turns out getting a Cuban Tourist Card at the airport is relatively simple. Here’s how…

Applying for a Cuban Tourist Card:

While some nationalities require a visa to visit Cuba, most visitors only need a Tourist Card. This can be picked up at the airport just before you get on the flight. (Though allow yourself extra time- the whole process took us over an hour).

When we arrived at the airport, we mistakenly queued for the check in desk, only to be told we first needed to go to the airline desk to get the Tourist Card. After a minor panic when we were told the cards had run out, more cards appeared and we were each given one to fill out. We were also warned not to make any mistakes or we’d have to pay for a new card! The Tourist Card cost us each MXN250.

After some confusion (and being passed from desk to desk), we discovered we needed to pay an additional MXN390 each as a departure tax. We were given a confusing explanation about how we had to pay this as we had entered by land but were leaving by air. (Some online research indicates that every visitor to Mexico has to pay this. Though it is sometimes included in the cost of the airline ticket, and doesn’t need to be paid for stays under seven days).

And so after a mildly confusing hour being passed from desk to desk, we were on our way to Cuba…

How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card in Mexico

Things To Note:

Allow extra time at the airport to arrange your Tourist Card.

Unlike visa applications, you don’t need to provide a passport photo when filling in a Cuba Tourist Card.

Do NOT make a mistake when filling in your Tourist Card, or you will have to pay for a new one.

If arriving into and leaving Mexico by air, make sure you know whether your arrival and departure tax are included in the price of your flight, or if you’ll have to pay this at the airport.

Hopefully this post has covered everything you need to know! If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments…

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2018/02/15/how-cuban-tourist-card-mexico/feed/03163Yucatan Trip Budget: Costs & Tipshttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2017/04/30/yucatan-trip-budget-costs-tips/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2017/04/30/yucatan-trip-budget-costs-tips/#respondSun, 30 Apr 2017 13:30:13 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3114Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of the more expensive places to travel in Central America. However, with beautiful sights, fun things to do, and tasty food, it’s worth every penny. Here is my Yucatan trip budget, with tips on how to keep costs down… Yucatan Accommodation Hostels throughout the Yucatan peninsula set my partner and I back […]

]]>Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is one of the more expensive places to travel in Central America. However, with beautiful sights, fun things to do, and tasty food, it’s worth every penny. Here is my Yucatan trip budget, with tips on how to keep costs down…

Yucatan Accommodation

Hostels throughout the Yucatan peninsula set my partner and I back around MXN150-190 (US$8-10) each. However, a private double often cost the same as two dorm beds, so we managed to avoid dorms most nights.

If you’re planning a diving or snorkelling trip, or any other tour, many hostels offer discounted accommodation & tour combos. Others offer free classes, happy hours, or other incentives, so be sure to shop around.

A free capoeira lesson at our hostel on Isla Mujeres

Yucatan Food & Drink

The price of a meal varies greatly depending on the type of eatery. Dinner can cost anything from MXN60 (US$3) to over MXN200 (US$10.50). We cooked for ourselves quite a bit here, as our hostels tended to have excellent facilities. When we did eat out, we opted for cheap food stalls. The best stalls on offer are in downtown Cancún, where a plate of tasty tacos cost just MXN25 (US$1.30). Local beers cost US$1-2 in most cities.

The incredible food stalls in downtown Cancun

Yucatan Transport

The buses in the Yucatan are surprisingly expensive, especially compared to elsewhere in Central America. On average, we spent around MXN95 (US$5) per hour of travel. However, these buses were far more comfortable than the chicken buses we had become accustomed to!

Yucatan Activities & Entrance Fees

Our new scuba diving addiction led us to splash out on a dive in Cozumel. Though, at US$75 for a day trip with two dives, the prices in Cozumel were far more reasonable than in some of the surrounding areas. We also splurged on a whale shark snorkelling trip in Isla Mujeres- US$69, and worth every penny!

Though we did have to shell out for the entrance fees to Tulum and Chichen Itza, we saved a lot by going independently instead of paying for a pricey tour.

The famous monument of El Castillo, Chichen Itza

Total Yucatan Trip Budget

Surprisingly, we stayed relatively within our budget during our time in the Yucatan. Overall, we spent MXN7,450 (US$408) in 12 days. This works out at MXN620 (US$34) per day.

Yucatan Trip Budget Tips

Don’t forget to factor in the departure tax of MXN390. This is included in most flights, but if you enter overland, you will have to pay this fee when you leave (do not pay it on entry, as the record of payment will mysteriously get lost and you will have to pay again on departure).

The cheapest eats are at street stalls, and this is also where you’ll find the tastiest food! Avoid touristy areas and eating at your hostel, where you’ll likely pay way too much for what ends up being a doughy tortilla with bean paste.

As previously mentioned, do shop around for the best deals with hostels, particularly if you are aiming to book a tour.

It’s also worth shopping around for tours and diving centres. That said, be wary of deals that are surprisingly cheap. Read reviews or get recommendations from other travellers before you book.

]]>http://ailishinwonderland.com/2017/04/30/yucatan-trip-budget-costs-tips/feed/03114Planning Your First Trip to India? – Guest Post By Rohit from Trans India Travelshttp://ailishinwonderland.com/2016/11/28/first-trip-india-guest-post/
http://ailishinwonderland.com/2016/11/28/first-trip-india-guest-post/#commentsMon, 28 Nov 2016 19:47:43 +0000http://ailishinwonderland.com/?p=3151The following is a guest post written for Ailish in Wonderland by Rohit, from Trans India Travels. Planning Your First Trip to India? Here Are few Things You Should Know: India is a mysterious land and may seem like a daunting trip to a person travelling there for the first time. A traveller’s concerns […]

]]>The following is a guest post written for Ailish in Wonderland by Rohit, from Trans India Travels.

Planning Your First Trip to India?

Here Are few Things You Should Know:

India is a mysterious land and may seem like a daunting trip to a person travelling there for the first time. A traveller’s concerns may range from the exotic food to the climate of the place. However, such concerns are misplaced if the trip is planned meticulously and is suited to the type of vacation the traveller seeks. Here are some tips to help a first time traveller:

1. Food and Water

One must be careful when it comes to food and water in India; tap water and unfiltered water should be avoided, bottled water should be consumed instead. Cold food items especially from shacks and roadside stalls should be avoided, particularly food products containing ice and cut fruit.

Indian food is extremely spicy, hence adequate caution must be taken in this regard. Vegetarian food should be preferred, although non-vegetarian food from restaurants and hotels is also safe. Certain states and cities in India are banned from serving non-vegetarian food and alcohol, so one must have a flexible palate.

2. Route and Schedule

A trip to India should be planned well, keeping in mind the climate and terrain. Travelling by road through rural areas at night should be avoided. Also, staying outdoors in the afternoon sun in the summer months is not advisable, as the heat can be overwhelming.

Public transport is crowded, and taxi services are are more comfortable way to travel within cities.

A route should be picked to suit the traveller’s specific interests. Here are some suggestions:

* Trekking- Himachal Pradesh

* Beaches- Goa

* Shopping- Delhi

* Nightlife- Mumbai

* And temples that are everywhere!

3. Attire

The climate in India (especially southern India) is warm and tropical, thus people in India tend to wear lighter fabrics like cotton. This fabric is best suited to the humid Indian climate.

Hill stations and the upper reaches of the Himalayas however require thicker clothing. India has a relatively conservative society hence one must be careful to be appropriately dressed and covered especially while visiting places of worship.

4. People

People in India are generally friendly and happy to help, but a first time traveller must be aware of the various tourist guides thronging virtually every airport and train station. Language may be a barrier in certain parts but maps and directions are fairly accurate and informative. India is a conservative society but the people are genial.

5. Safety

India is a vast country with an extremely large population; hence public places and especially ones of tourist interest are crowded for the better part of the day. One must be careful about their person and belongings in such instances.

A traveller must be especially careful about their safety at night and should avoid isolated areas, particularly in the later hours of the night. Travelling alone at night is not advised.

6. Places to Visit

India is a colourful country and every part of the country has a different flavour. Every state is different from the other and each is special in its own way. Certain places are a must visit, these include:

* The Backwaters of Kerala

* Pangong Lake in Ladakh

* The Taj Mahal

* Varanasi; and

* Kashmir

7. In the Traveller’s Bag

Certain items are essential to carry while travelling in India:

* Sunscreen

* Sunglasses

* Mosquito Repellant

* Hand Sanitiser

* Cap/ Hat

* Cash (not all places accept cards)

Thus, a first trip to India if planned well can be a wealth of experiences for a traveller. From the earthy forts of Rajasthan to the sun-kissed tea plantations of Darjeeling, and from the picturesque peaks of Kashmir to the unique beauty of Kanyakumari.

Author Bio:

Rohit is an avid traveller with a passion to discover new places, he continues to expand his travel experiences and sets them down in black and white on websites like Trans India Travels.